UFC 127 Play-by-Play: Riki Fukuda vs. Nick Ring

Riki Fukuda vs. Nick Ring

Round 1: Fukuda gets the early takedown, landing briefly in side control, but Ring quickly gains full guard, setting up a triangle position. They work back to their feet, each trying to find his striking range. Both throw testing strikes for the remainder of the round, but Fukuda goes back to the takedown and gets it just before the bell. MMAWeekly.com scores round one 10-9 for Ring.

Round 2: Both fighters try to get their striking going, Fukuda clipping Ring with a strong left hook. Fukuda goes for another takedown, misses the first attempt, but scores a nice double-leg on his second attempt. They scramble back to their feet and exchange knees in the Thai clinch. Ring stuffs Fukuda’s next takedown attempt, but Fukuda gets the Thai clinch and lands a couple good knees and punches before they separate. They spend the final couple minutes of the round exchanging strikes, Fukuda landing slightly more power shots. MMAWeekly.com scores round two 10-9 for Fukuda.

Round 3: Fukuda scores an impressive takedown to start the round, landing in half guard. They scramble, and Ring makes it back to his feet, but eats a straight left from Fukuda, who follows with some short uppercuts. Ring is starting to look frustrated. Fukuda takes him down again at the midway point of the round, working from north-south position. Fukuda presses Ring to the cage, landing some soft body shots. But Ring seems baffled on his back, not even really trying to get out. Fukuda maintains control from half mount, peppering Ring with shots, not doing a lot of damage, but certainly winning the fight. They tie up and the referee stands them up, but too late for either to do anything before the final bell. A smattering of boos, emanates from the crowd at Acer Arena. MMAWeekly.com scores round three 10-9 and the fight 29-28 for Fukuda.